Issue 1213
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Today’s thought
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” ―
Today is Flag Day!
National Flag Day happens each year on June 14 to honor Old Glory and commemorate the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777. The holiday is a day that Americans show respect for the U.S. Flag and what it represents.
Also, Happy 250th Birthday, U.S. Army!
Featured news
THOR Industries is suing startup Axiom RV, claiming former exec John Jones took confidential info from Heartland and Cruiser RV to jumpstart the new company. The lawsuit accuses Jones of violating a non-compete agreement and using trade secrets to contact former clients. Axiom denies wrongdoing—but the legal battle could impact its launch and RV dealer interest in its first model: the Vendetta. Oh, boy.
What do older, aging RVers want? Michigan says it has the answer. For longtime RVers, the joy of a crackling campfire and a quiet morning by the water never gets old. But what older campers want from a campground is shifting—and parks across Michigan are stepping up to meet those expectations with a focus on comfort, accessibility, and a more laid-back pace.
A recent Leger Marketing poll shows that only 10% of Canadians plan to travel to the U.S. this summer, down from 23% last year. If your plans take you to areas where Canadian tourists frequent, you may see a bit of relief. Already campground owners in New Hampshire are noticing something missing this summer: Canadians.
What was once a dream job in Yellowstone turned into a toxic nightmare for one park employee family. After years in historic housing, the Aiuppas discovered extreme lead contamination—leading to serious health consequences for their children. A lawsuit and national spotlight now highlight the risks of aging park housing, with nearly 300 residences still containing lead paint. Continue reading.
Retail RV registrations—the measure of new units sold—are still on the decline, according to the latest numbers from Statistical Surveys Inc., a company that tracks RV sales data. The downward trend started back in 2023 and has continued steadily into this year. RV sales are out of balance—here’s what’s going on.
Missouri drivers, look out! Missouri State Highway Patrol has rolled out stealth patrol vehicles with “ghost graphics.” Ghost graphics are reflective, color-matched vinyl decals applied to Highway Patrol vehicles. The graphics nearly disappear in daylight yet glow brightly under headlights at night. That means you might not be able to tell a patrol vehicle from a regular vehicle. Here’s more info.
RVers heading to Yosemite this summer have something to celebrate: For the first time since 2019, all 13 of Yosemite’s campgrounds are set to open. That means roughly 500 more campsites will be available—and a much better shot at locking in a spot inside the park. Woohoo! Here are the details.
Love’s is making good on its promise—and marketing ploy—of reaching into the lives of RVers. Love’s Travel Stops has expanded its RV-friendly network with a brand-new location in Carlin, Nevada. Details here.
First look: Incredible Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer
By Cheri Sicard
For nearly 20 years, a unique idea had been brewing. How could the timeless style of Frank Lloyd Wright blend with the well-known Airstream travel trailer? Bringing the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation together with Airstream has finally made that dream come true. The result is a travel trailer that brings together two American icons in a way that has never been seen before: the Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer.
Campground crowding, comments & concerns
Time to quit RVing if the complaints outweigh the good times?
The last couple of weeks, readers have written in about their campground pet peeves. This week was no exception. While dogs and their owners still top the list of peeves, others are bubbling up, too, as described in this week’s column. Nanci Dixon agrees with all of them. However, one email in particular put some perspective on her personal complaints. Do you agree?
Make those wheels sparkle!
When was the last time you actually noticed your wheels and hubcaps? Probably not recently because we’re guessing they’re covered in dust, dirt, oil and grime. This amazing SONAX® Wheel Cleaner will make them sparkle again. Its acid-free, pH-balanced formula won’t damage a thing. Just spray it on, watch it clean right before your eyes, and wipe it off. It’s that easy! Learn more or order for a great (and worth-it) price.
More news
RVers and outdoor enthusiasts are generally on the alert for ticks. However, some areas of the U.S. are now seeing blacklegged (aka deer) ticks for the very first time. While primarily found in the eastern half of the country, including the Northeast and Midwest, they are now being identified in states like Montana for the very first time.
Traveling to or through North Dakota soon? You can now drive through the state a little faster. North Dakota recently joined the growing list of states allowing higher top speeds on its interstates. The new bill officially raises the maximum speed on Interstates 29 and 94 from 75 mph to 80 mph, effective August 1, 2025. Learn more.
On June 10, a 30-year-old man was gored by a bison in the Upper Geyser Basin of Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park after a large group of visitors approached it too closely. The man sustained minor injuries. This is the second reported tourist bison goring in the park in 2025. Read about it here.
Speaking of morons in Yellowstone… A tourist who was flying a drone near an osprey nest in Yellowstone National Park was cited last week after a fellow visitor reported the incident to rangers. Vince Botkin, a regular visitor from rural southern California, said he spotted the drone buzzing the nest in the Lamar Valley on Thursday and immediately called it out. Do not fly a drone near wildlife (or in national parks), folks!
HUSBANDS, LISTEN UP! A North Carolina woman said her husband predicted she would “hit the big one” just before she scored a $150,000 lottery prize. (Now, can your husband do that?)
The full length of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is expected to open to motorized vehicles Monday, June 16, for the 2025 summer season. As a reminder, timed entry vehicle reservations are required to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road from the west side of the park. Learn more.
Monsoon season is back in the Southwest. While the exact moment of when the first massive wall of dust will rise up from the desert floor isn’t known, we do know this: It’s coming and could stay around through September. Arizona and New Mexico are ground zero for the storms. Here’s how to stay safe if you drive into a dust storm.
The thirty-fifth annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from Saturday, June 21, through Saturday, June 28, 2025, on the South and North Rims of Grand Canyon National Park. Amateur astronomers from around the world will volunteer their telescopes and expertise for the enjoyment of park visitors. Learn more.
Today and tomorrow, you can fish for free in Ohio during its annual free fishing days. All residents may fish at any public waterway without a license, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. This includes Lake Erie and Ohio’s public lakes, reservoirs, streams and rivers.
Fire bans begin! Mount Rainier National Park has implemented a parkwide fire ban beginning Tuesday, June 10. All campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills are prohibited. This ban is in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire. Additionally, California’s Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks entered stage 1 fire restrictions on June 11, which prohibit wood and charcoal fires, including wood-burning stoves.
RECALL: Starcraft RV is recalling certain 2025 Autumn Ridge travel trailers. The installed safety chains are rated at 7,600 lbs. and the actual Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 7,995 lbs. This can cause the chains to fail, allowing the trailer to separate from the tow vehicle. More info here.
Reader poll
How easily could you live in an RV as your only “home”?
MORE POPULAR POLLS:
- Have you stayed overnight in a Cabela’s parking lot with your RV in the last year?
- Should e-bikes be allowed on traditional bike trails?
- Is your RV model older than 10 years or newer than 10 years?
- At the grocery store, would you prefer to use a self-checkout or go through a line with a “real human” to check you out?
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
If you don’t have one of these, trust us, it’s time to buy one. We guarantee you’ll use it more than you think. It’s one of those things that once you have it, you’ll realize you needed one all along. Plus, this one is perfectly RV-sized.
Latest fuel prices
The latest U.S. average prices per gallon of fuel as of June 9, 2025:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.11. Down 2 cents from last week; down 32 cents from last year.
Diesel: $3.47. Up 2 cents from last week; down 19 cents from last year.
• The state with the most expensive gas: California, $4.67
• The state with the least expensive gas: Mississippi, $2.63
Upcoming RV shows & seminars. Click here.
Trivia
The Hubble Telescope is responsible for the deepest images of space and the universe ever taken. Images from the telescope contain more than 5,000 galaxies—some of which are as distant as 13.2 billion light-years away. The telescope is so strong that it could spot the light from a single firefly up to 7,000 miles away.
Laugh of the week
A few years ago, Reader Robert Yeo sent this photo to us and wrote, “Is this one of the reasons Walmart is discontinuing allowing overnight RV parking in their lots?”
We recently came across it again, and got a good chuckle from it. Yes, Robert, using windshield wipers to hang your laundry out to dry could be one reason why.
The perfect scam
Archive Episode: Courage of Steele, Part 2: How One Man Fought Back Against His Abusive Caregiver
In part 2, as 72-year-old Steve Steele is released from jail, not only can he hardly stand or walk, but he is worried about how he will recover the property stolen by Elizabeth, the caregiver who worked for him. That’s where Steve’s attorney, Brent Smith, comes in, waging what becomes a nearly two-year battle.
Today in history
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Current fire and smoke map from AirNow
Headed on an unfamiliar highway? Learn if it has low bridges you might not fit under.
RVtravel.com All Star Team
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Today is June 14th.
Flag Day, the Army’s 250th anniversary, and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Raise your flags high, salute our military, and shout “Happy Birthday” to our President.
Also the only day you can burn an old tattered flag
I will take obnoxious dogs over obnoxious children. Parents let their children run wild and its
the most annoying thing I have ever encountered. If I want quiet I want quiet. Not screaming
children and screaming parents. Dog parents seem to have more control of their fur babies
then they do over their screaming children. IMO not yours.